Author's Note: This is a little attempt of mine to have Yuuri be the dominant in his and Conrart's relationship for once. Hopefully you all like my particular take on this. I really wanted something almost Christmasy because all of these Christmas songs are making me feel all tingly! LOL. This is for Mai. Thank you Sweetie for all of your efforts helping me write these last few stories.
Disclaimer: Own nothing unfortunately.
The Shibuya Home, Japan
"Yuu-Chan?"
A low soft laugh escaped the man as his head tipped towards the speaker, his dark eyes sweeping over his brother's face in amusement, before slowly pushing the chair back and away from the desk. "Do you really think that is appropriate, Shori?" One raven brow arched upwards in question as he stood, long legs stretching out from being cramped beneath the piece of furniture. "I doubt I could be considered small by any regards of the word."
Lavender black eyes moved over the length of Yuuri's body, taking in the powerful body that had come out of the thin awkward shape that had been his little brother. Now, Shori Shibuya was forced to actually look up at his brother, who had gained three inches on him. It almost made him want to smile, his fingers pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose, regarding the man before him and knowing that he couldn't consider Yuuri a child any longer without getting his ass handed to him.
Eight months. Eight months could completely change a person. Yuuri had thrown himself head long into life, embracing these last days of childhood and slowly beginning to grow into himself.
"No." Shori admitted softly, his jaw clenching as he was forced to admit in that moment that honestly he couldn't treat this man any longer as a child. "I just don't wish for you to go... Yuu... ri."
"You know we've talked about this more than two dozen times since I came back." A wry smile tugged at his lips, his shoulders shrugging slightly as he shifted forwards, approaching the older man and reaching out with both hands to squeeze the strong shoulders in reassurance. "I made a promise to Shinou and to myself." His head twisted around to regard his surroundings for several long moments, taking in the now bare walls and desk that was empty of everything but a few sheets of paper and a single pen. "I would do this. I would do this whole heartedly and never regret my choices."
"Don't go." Shori's hand caught at Yuuri's wrist, attempting to hold him in place, desperate to not let his only sibling slip away from him. "Yuuri... please..."
"Brother." Yuuri Shibuya sighed softly, his smile warming until it reached his dark eyes. "I do love you, but my place isn't here any longer."
It was only with those words being said that Shori's hand finally dropped away from Yuuri's wrist. Those words seeped all the way into Shori's soul, filling up that empty space, but not quite being able to close the raw aching wound that would come with the loss of this man in his life.
"I never thought... you would choose..." Shori's eyes closed tightly for a moment and he forced himself to finish what he was going to say. "That you would choose that world over this one. I always thought in the end... you would stay here."
"I realised a long time ago that I can make a difference there, Shori. I can be someone that can step forwards at the end of my life and say I have done all I can for the good of others. I couldn't do that here." And some emotion flickered through his eyes, darkening the colour to such a deep black that all the light seemed to be swallowed by the rich colour. "And my heart is still with them, even all this time, my heart still remains in the Great Demon Kingdom with those who have become my family."
"The time difference?"
"I made arrangements for that." Yuuri's eyes twinkled with silent amusement. "I just wish I could have a camera for when they realise exactly what I've done."
The Tomb Of The Great One, The Great Demon Kingdom
The crisp autumn breeze brushed across his cheeks as he stood beside the small pond that stood in the gardens that surrounded the Tomb of the Great One, water dripped down across his body. The droplets soaking into the grass beneath his boots as they pooled. His fingers rubbed lightly across his face, brushing droplets from his eyes and running a hand back through long raven locks that touched all the way down to his shoulders in a fall of dark glossy waves.
"It appears that you grew into yourself."
A smile tugged at the corners of Yuuri's lips at the sound of that voice, his head tipping to the side, noticing the flash of gold in the soft moonlight that filled the clearing. "And trust me, I am very grateful I did." He could remember the first few weeks when his body had decided to finally grow, leaving him with large hands and feet attached to scrawny limbs, he had been the clumsiest of beings. "Or I would never again show myself in public."
"Awkward?"
"More like very, very clumsy. I could trip over my own feet if I wasn't watching, bumped into the top of a few doorways..." A soft laugh escaped the man, before he stepped forwards and actually pulled Shinou into a hug, startling the other man. His arms coiled tightly around the blonde and Yuuri almost wanted to laugh over the fact that he was also taller than Shinou. "Thank you."
Coughing softly in slight embarrassment, Shinou patted Yuuri on the back a touch awkwardly, though thankfully not ending up completely soaked through from Yuuri's watery arrival. "You are more than welcome. I owe you much and I am grateful to have the opportunity to return the favour."
"It was much appreciated." Yuuri stepped back, regarding the man with interest, taking in the tiredness that seemed to fill those blue eyes, but also the silent compassion for Yuuri's plight. "I have a feeling some might not understand my choices, but I am glad I made them."
It had been eight months before when Yuuri had gone to speak privately with Shinou, to talk about his future and his place as Maou. It had been during those several long hours that they had agreed to allow Yuuri to return for Earth for a set period of time and allow him to finish up High School, to put everything in that life into order and spend time with his family before committing himself fully to his post as Maou of the Great Demon Kingdom. No one but himself, Ken Murata and Shinou had known of this particular agreement, though he had told Shori and his parents on his return to Earth.
It had been during those eight months that Shinou had tugged at the strange time difference that existed between worlds, drawing it into reverse. Where time would be far slower in the Great Demon Kingdom in comparison to the passage of time on Earth, it had taken much out of Shinou, but it had been what Yuuri had needed. He had not wanted to leave his position as Maou empty for so long.
And in those months he had grown and matured and made memories of Japan that would last him a lifetime.
"How long?"
"Ten days."
"It's going to be fun." And Yuuri gave Shinou a lop-sided smile, though he gave Shinou a curious glance. "Is that part of the reason you so readily agreed?"
Shinou couldn't help his own smirk at that. "It might have been."
"Trust me... you'll definitely get some interesting responses to this." His arms stretched out and he gestured to himself, though a shiver flickered up along the length of his back as the chill of the night finally began to numb his skin. "Can you see Wolfram's face?" Amusement tugged at the corners of his lips at that, knowing that it was going to be very amusing to see Wolfram's reaction to the 'grown' him.
"It will be quite spectacular. However, the Masquerade ball celebrating Allerseelen has yet to begin at Covenant Castle." Shinou's lips twitched slightly, before gesturing for Yuuri to follow him. "I have things well planned for you."
All Souls' Day... It was definitely going to be an interesting evening.
The Forest Outside Of Covenant Castle, The Great Demon Kingdom
Laughter rang out between the two men as they rode, their mounts trotting up the long winding path that ran between the Tomb of the Great One and Covenant Castle. Both of them were alight with mischief that seemed to wash upwards from somewhere deep within them in the tradition of All Soul's Day or Allerseelen, especially over the fact that Shinou could be considered by some to be one of those 'departed souls'.
"It has been far too long since I've seen one of these balls." Shinou relaxed into the steady even strides of the horse, his body easily conforming to the movements. His form having become almost completely solid as the night grew darker, because the barriers between the dead and the living were slowly being peeled away on this particular night. "For once I am very glad for this tradition." The fact that the Demon Tribe celebrated the night with bright light and music to remember the happiness that had filled the lives of those who had passed before them. Though some said it was to keep away the darker souls that could not exist within the light of such joy...
"Makes me think of Halloween."
"What is that?"
"It would probably take too long to explain." Yuuri shifted forwards on the horse, looping the reins around one wrist, as he reached up to pull his long hair back and into a quickly made queue that ran down into the edges of his festive cloak. The silver mask was soon being slipped down over his face, the strings being woven into his hair and tied securely, the tiny black feathers edging it melting in against the raw black of his silky hair. His lips curved upwards as he glanced over at Shinou, meeting the brilliant blue eyes with a care-free grin, both of them unable to help the slightly giddy feeling that washed through their bodies when the first strains of music reached them.
The Great Demon Kingdom was at peace with world for once, no evil was threatening, no war was happening... there was finally peace for a few months... and it showed.
The white walls of Covenant Castle were illuminated by a thousand lanterns carefully driven between the massive stones, glittering around the massive structure like an odd halo. Light spilled outwards from the open courtyards and gateways, the entire place brilliantly illuminated in a thousand different colours as the lanterns on the inside had had their glass painted so that rainbows spread across every surface. Music rose from within, happy laughter and a thousand conversations filling the air.
And the sight of it stole all of the words from Yuuri's mouth as he reined in his horse and just stared at it, feeling a sense of coming home fill his heart at the sight.
"It truly is magnificent, isn't it?" Shinou whispered as he drew up his horse short beside Yuuri's own, watching as the first of the fireworks displays erupted brilliantly in the sky above the Castle, showering the higher turrets with tiny dancing sparks. "There is nothing to fear tonight... nothing to spoil its beauty and all of that is thanks to you."
"Don't start on that." A touch of colour ran up the sides of Yuuri's neck, the slightest of flushes at Shinou's words. "But yes, yes it's so beautiful... there are no words to describe it, no words adequate enough to..." A hand gestured towards Covenant Castle affectionately, his expression softening after a moment. His heart however was thinking about other things... and other people. It had been far too long since he had caught a glimpse of Conrart... heard his voice...
"Yuuri... Yuuri?"
The man blinked slightly, gaze lifting to meet Shinou's and his flush deepened just a touch, before he swallowed and grinned back at the man, pushing away the emotions that had begun to rise to the surface within him. Blinking sharply again, he urged his horse into a gallop, feeling the cloak flare out behind him as Shinou took off as well, eager to join in the wild celebrations.
Covenant Castle, The Great Demon Kingdom
Laughter filled the air, Yuuri's arms were outspread as he spun around, his head tipped back and he just enjoyed the wonder and joy of all those around him. The sweet scents of freshly cooked food and roasting meat, the spices and wines, the wood smoke that rose from several bonfires roaring around the inside of the castle walls, their brilliant flames surrounded by every member of the aristocracy along with the common city folk and also many from the surrounding human nations.
Everyone mingled, singers and musicians sweeping through the bands of revellers. This was like Christmas and every other celebration he had ever seen gathered together, decorations covering every surface. There were large pines decorated with an odd assortment of decorations, candles burning amongst their branches.
So many familiar faces filled the crowds, Gunter and the maids, Gisela, Cecilie and so many others, even Lady Flynn stood out amongst the crowds in her icy blue dress. Their mask hanging around their necks to allow themselves to cool away from the overheated air of the ballroom of the Castle. Amongst some of the children, Gwendal stood, his usual uniform replaced by dark blue shirt and black pants, a rich cloak flowing around his broad shoulders.
"It's wonderful!" He couldn't help but cry to the sky, his eyes closed, enjoying the sweet wonders of the night, the life that flowed around him, the pulse of music running up through his very bones. He soaked up the wonders of the world that had become his own, all the empty places within his soul being filled up by the voices of friends, family and his people. There was no way that Yuuri could ever deny the deep connection he had with his world and the joy it brought him to hear it filled with peace and happiness.
"If you are happy, it is believed those around you will also become happy." Conrart Weller's own words echoed deep within his soul as he gazed out over the celebrations and his eyes lingered on one of those newly arrived to the castle. A tall powerfully built man stood amongst the revellers, his arms outstretched, head tipped upwards towards the starry heavens and Conrart could almost swear he heard the man's deep rich laughter reach down into his very soul and draw a smile to his own lips.
Yuuri would love this celebration, it was the one thing that pulled at his heart on a night like this, knowing that the Maou was somewhere Conrart Weller couldn't reach. There was an empty ache deep within his soul at that thought. His fingers lifting to idly rub at the spot just over his heart, his lips pressing together as he attempted to work out exactly what to make over of the stranger.
His eyes closed and he let out a shaky sigh as his head dipped forwards and pressed against the cool glass, wishing he could push away everything that tore at his heart. Sleep came rarely to him, his desire and cravings for someone he shouldn't. His hunger burned him, scorched him from the inside out and almost drove him crazy with the heated lust that was barely able to be leashed. He needed something... anything... to ease it.
Eyelids lifted and his gaze fell on the smiling stranger, the dark hair that was pulled back from a face half hidden by a mask. One night. One night to just slip away into the nothingness of pleasure. He could imagine... he could imagine it was Yuuri. Imagine that it was his beloved... and ease the throbbing ache dwelling within his heart. It was somewhere deep within his heart that craved some kind of connection to another living being, even for a single night, he needed that. Yuuri would never know... no one ever would know that it would be Yuuri's face that he saw... that it would be the boy's name that he cried out in that blissful moment of relief.
"One night... one night and it will need to be enough." Because he couldn't do this to himself.
Soon he was heading down the corridor, the long cloak sweeping around his polished white boots, the pale fabric clinging to the length of his body, the silver thread elegantly stitched through the garment caught the light. His hair hung wildly around his half hidden face, his usually short trimmed locks longer than he had let them grow in some time, tickled against the back of his collar.
Conrart stood in shadow and just watched the man, his fingers curling and uncurling with a silent hunger to touch the slightly flushed cheeks hidden beneath the edges of that mask, to step in close to hear the man's deep laughter that came from somewhere from his very soul. Others had already gathered around him, basking in the brightness of his presence. How long had it been since he had felt the burn of desire for another? It tingled down his spine, spreading through his limbs and making him even a touch uncomfortable within his clothing.
More people spilled out of the castle, blocking his view of the dark haired dancer, he actually took a step forwards, his head twisting, attempting to see over the milling crowds for the object of his desire. A frown tugged at the edges of his lips as he could not locate the dancer.
"Who are you looking for so intently?"
Conrart's entire body jolted as a powerful form pressed up along his spine, an arm sliding around his waist and drawing him back into the shadows, lips touching softly against the shell of his ear making him shudder. "I... The..."
A low chuckle vibrated against the side of Conrart's throat when those lips slipped downwards and just behind his ear, pressing tiny little kisses across the soft skin. The lightly stubbled cheek rubbed against his hair, a warm breath making the strands tickle the skin where Conrart's pulse was racing. "I would never think a man like you might be rendered speechless."
"A man like me?" Conrart's head arched back slightly as a hot mouth touched against the soft curve of his throat, his entire body shuddering as heat rushed through him, pooling in places that left him almost wanting to squirm. It was a startling sensation, his hand reaching down to lightly touch against the one that rested across his belly, threading his fingers through a hand that was larger than his own, their fingers tangling playfully together.
"Exquisite." And teeth nipped at that lobe, tugging on it teasingly, before allowing his lips to slide down the length of Conrart's jaw, before touching against the corner of his lips. "Breath-takingly beautiful."
Swallowing hard at the unexpected compliments, his eyes met the dark ones of his dancer, they almost seemed black. In the light of the fires, he couldn't quite make out the colour of them, but they were staring straight at him with intense interest and with a welcoming smile stretched across his lips. "Thank you."
Conrart shivered as his hand was suddenly lifted from his belly, his fingers twisted and he found himself spun out into the light of the party, his hand tucked into the palm of his dark haired dancer. The man bowed elegantly over Conrart's fingers, and his mouth touched against the back of the soldier's knuckles lightly, tongue actually flicking out to touch between them against hypersensitive skin, before dark eyes peered out of the silvery mask at him. A smile tugged at the corners of that well shaped mouth.
"Dance with me."
"I..."
"Dance with me, my Heart." The man's thumb tenderly stroked against the back of Yuuri's fingers, before stilling, waiting for a response. "Please."
"Yes."
And that was all it took for Conrart to be swept forwards into a pair of powerful arms, his body sliding up against the warmth of the dancer's body, his face being tucked against one strong shoulder as he was led in the intimate spins and movements of a waltz. He was startled by the heat of the strong body pressed against his own, his entire body practically melting into it. An arm had wrapped around his waist, his other hand caught within the larger hand of his partner.
Something tingled down his back, a sense... of something... of someone... but he couldn't quite get a clear sense of what it was. Yet, that soon slipped from his mind when the man's lips touched against his temple.
He had never been held like that before, tucked in protectively against another's body, the warmth soaking into his own. In every other relationship he had had, he had been the more dominant partner and he had almost expected it to be that way here... yet... instead he had been captured in these strong arms and swept up and away by the intensity of this man.
"Let me help you forget everything." It was a silky whisper against his hair, his eyes closing while he shifted just another inch closer, his fingers curling into the dark fabric of the dancer's shirt. "I'll make you forget the world... your troubles... your duties... everything but how you feel tonight."
"Please do." He wanted that, even for just a few minutes. Conrart Weller wanted to forget his hopeless love for Yuuri Shibuya, he wanted to forget the past, the future... his family and everything else that weighed so heavily on him. He wanted... to feel wanted. He had wanted Yuuri so desperately, he knew it was impossible. Impossible for him to win the heart of someone so good... so kind... his touch would taint that purity... the sins of his past would come back... the blood on his hands...
"Do you know... I saw you watching me from that window?"
"You... saw me?" A fine flush ran across his cheekbones, his cinnamon eyes widening slightly in silent delight to know that he had not been the only one to feel this strange attraction between them. It had never been like this before, no matter who he had been with, Conrart had never felt this tingling flutter in his gut, except for when... he saw Yuuri.
"How could I not notice you, my Heart?" And the man tucked Conrart just a little closer to him, their hips sliding together intimately as the strains of a waltz filled the air around them, drowning out the rest of the world. Heat run up along one side of their bodies as they danced near one of the bonfires, the golden light of it spilling over them.
Carefully guiding them both into the darker places, they spun and moved with surprising ease and grace. The music seemed to carry them both away, unaware of anyone watching them and smiling to see such a pair together. They were soon away from the crowds hidden by several of the massive displays and the decorated trees. Pools of rainbow hued light fell down around them from the two lanterns that hung from overhead, casting a soft radiance about both of them.
Both large hands reached out to carefully smooth back Conrart's wild locks from his handsome face, thumbs brushing against flushed cheeks. Cupping Conrart's face, the dark eyed dancer's gaze fell down to the inviting, slightly parted lips of the half-blood. "Can I kiss you?" He asked softly, his mouth hovering mere inches away from Conrart's. "One kiss..."
Tipping his head upwards, he leaned upwards slightly, their mouths meeting together in a heated kiss. Conrart's arms curled around either side of the trim hips, his hands clenching in the back of that cloak, holding the man close while their lips parted, breath mingling. Their mouths were clinging together as the kiss swallowed them both whole, something nameless and exciting igniting between them.
It was the beginning of something undeniable.
Yet, in that silent moment, Conrart Weller didn't know that the object of his love had been the one to steal a dance and a kiss that would forever haunt him with its sweetness and soul-searing heat.
If you like it I'll try and get another chapter up within the next few days! Can you imagine Conrart's reaction the morning after when he wakes up and finds... Yuuri? LOL I'm so going to look forwards to that.